A Dorset hunting group has raised thousands of pounds to help children with life limiting or life threating conditions.

The Portman Hunt, based in Blandford, has raised £6,400 over the past 12 months during its trail hunting season, which it has donated to Julia’s House charity.

Fundraising activities have included collections at the Hunt Ball, regular point-to-points, fun rides, country shows and the Rushmore Horse Trials.

Dorset Echo: William Fox-Pitt at Rushmore Horse Trials William Fox-Pitt at Rushmore Horse Trials (Image: Portman Hunt)

Edward Hurst, secretary of the Portman Hunt, said: “We are so impressed and inspired by the amazing work of Julia’s House, which provides an absolute lifeline for families in Dorset coping with a child who has a life-limiting condition.

“The care provided by the Julia’s House nurses and carers, either at their hospice or in families' homes, gives the whole family vital support as they care 24/7 for their seriously ill child.

“As a community, we wanted to get behind them and support the remarkable work they do.”

Julia’s House currently supports around 200 families across Wiltshire and Dorset, and the number is rising as medical and scientific advances mean more children are being born and living longer with life-limiting conditions. 

The charity’s mission is to reach and support more of these children and set the gold standard in flexible, bespoke care that supports the whole family.

Amanda Gillett, Julia's House community fundraiser, said: “We are hugely grateful for the support this year from the Portman Hunt.

“We rely on the generosity of the local community for over 90 per cent of our funding to help us provide our vital care across Dorset and Wiltshire.

“Every penny that has been raised will make a life-changing difference to the most seriously ill children and their families.”

The hunt is now turning their attention to the next trail hunting season and have already decided who will receive next year’s donation.

Mr Hurst added: “We always choose a charity each year to be the focus of our fundraising efforts.

"For the next trail hunting season, which begins this November, as a community we will be raising funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity – an organisation we are immensely grateful for.

“The fact that the air ambulance can land almost anywhere if you were to need it is a huge comfort to all those who ride horses in the local area.”